Father Martin hosts Connecting the Diocese for the Diocese of La Crosse, highlighting the June 6 diaconal ordination at the Cathedral of St. Joseph the Workman and the significance of Corpus Christi. Guest Christopher Ruff, Director of Ministries and Social Concerns, describes his 25+ years serving the diocese, his role in restarting and shaping deacon formation and the Lay Formation Institute, and the diaconate’s scriptural roots in Acts as a ministry of humble service and charity. He outlines the five-year formation structure, growth in fraternity, and practical joys and challenges for deacons and their families, emphasizing balance and the importance of saying no when necessary. The conversation also covers St. Vincent de Paul’s home-visit model, humanitarian aid efforts to Ukraine through Chalice of Mercy, and La Crosse’s formation program serving Madison and Superior, concluding with reflections on discerning God’s ongoing call.

01:30 Chris Ruff Background

05:06 Diaconate Origins

07:11 Growth and Formation Path

11:38 Discernment and Diaconate Office

14:57 Program Evolution

19:04 Life After Ordination

22:25 Charity and Parish Collaboration

28:10 Impact and Formation Fruits

32:14 Lay Service Rising

32:48 Vincentian Spiritual Charity

33:27 Home Visits and Growth

35:03 Serving with Joy

36:26 Ukraine Relief Drives

37:15 Deacon Formation Expands

38:31 Hearing Gods Call

41:52 Adventure of Discipleship

43:08 Corpus Christi Readings

45:25 Never Forget the Lord

47:54 Eucharistic Miracle Memory

51:48 Healing of Memories

53:33 Receiving Like Children

56:17 Prepare and Receive

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